How
To Pick a Florist
Word
of mouth is always your safest bet. If the florist's service
and work comes highly recommended, chances are they will do
a good job for you. Do your research by going to bridal shows
and looking at online pictures from your store's website. Make
appointments to visit at least 3 different florists.
When
you visit each florist, look at pictures of their previous work
and look around their shop.
- Do
you like the arrangements that you see in the shop's displays?
- Do
the flowers in the pictures look fresh or are the petal
edges brown?
- Are
the pictures dated or are they following the current trends?
- Is
the designer willing to work with you or are they telling
you that your idea won't work?
- Make
sure you speak to the florist that will do your arrangements.
- Do
you feel comfortable with your florist?
- Is
your florist paying attention to you while you're talking
and does he/she seem interested?
When
To Book Your Florist
6
months before your wedding is a good time to start your search.
Book your florist approximately 4 months before your wedding
date. You need to have your reception and ceremony sites picked
out before you can hire a florist because you'll need to know
how many arrangements you'll need and that the colours you pick
don't clash with the colours of your venue. You'll also need
to know what colour your bridesmaids' dresses are.
What
To Bring To An Appointment
- Pictures
of flowers and arrangements that you like (magazine clippings
or websites)
- Picture
of your wedding gown - swatches of material from your bridesmaids
gowns - if available, a picture of your reception room
- If
you are supplying the containers for arrangements, bring
those too.
- Bring
quotes you've gotten from other florists.
- Bring
a list of all the flowers and arrangements you need and
who they are for, so that the florist can label corsages,
boutonnieres and bouquets, with names or titles. Example:
on a bouquet a stapled piece of paper reads "maid of honour".
This way everyone gets the right flowers.
Questions
To Ask The Florist
- When
viewing photos of past work, ask if the flowers where arranged
by the same person that is doing your arrangements.
- After
giving your florist your ideas, ask for their opinion or
ideas. You don't have to take their advice but at least
take the time to listen. You never know, you might like
their ideas better then your own.
- Is
there a delivery charge?
- Is
there a setup fee?
- Do
they have rental supplies?
- Do
they need a map for the different delivery locations?
- Can
you change your order if you have another idea? What's the
cut off date for new ideas?
- What
times will the flowers be delivered to each location? This
question can be asked 1 month before your wedding.
- Will
the florist transport ceremony decorations to the reception
location? Is there a fee?
- Can
they make a sample of your bouquet and centrepiece? Some
florists will, some won't.
- Will
they write you up an itemized quote? Some won't in fear
that you will bring it to other florists for a better deal.
- Are
the flowers you've chosen in season? What flowers are in
season for your date?
- You're
on a tight budget, can the florist work with a mixture of
silk and fresh flowers?
- Are
there any additional or hidden costs?
- Is
the florist familiar with your reception and ceremony locations?
- 1 month
before your wedding date, call the florist and ask them
if they can get the type and colour of flower you wanted?
Things
To Keep In Mind
If
your wedding date is around the time of a flower giving holiday
(mother's day, valentine's,etc) you're going to pay more for
your flowers. The florist will also be very busy during this
time and you can't expect to be the centre of attention. Meet
and speak to the person that will be making your flower arrangements.
A
good place to start is with the bride's and bridesmaid's bouquet,
work with those colours and flower types to create your centrepieces,
alter arrangements and other floral decor.
You
don't have to book on the spot. Take your quote home and think
it over.
The
more information you give your florist the better they will
understand what you want.
If
you choose flowers that are not in season and have to be shipped,
you're looking at a bigger expense and you don't know what effect
the shipping will cause on your flowers.
What
Goes On The Contract
In
most cases your bill will be your contract. Read the small print
on the bill. Everything the florist is supplying should be on
the bill:
- Your
name, address and phone number.
- The
contact person's name, address and phone number for every
delivery location.
- An
itemized list and description of every floral arrangement,
the number required, colour of ribbons and other decorative
accents.
- Time
of setup
- The
name of your floral designer
- The
service they will provide. i.e. setup and delivery to each
location and what this entails.
- The
total cost, your deposit and the amount still owing and
the date for the last payment.
